There are many ways in which the control exerted over the Gileadean people is defined and exercised. The main way in which the regime ensures its control is adhered to, is through the overbearing threat of punishment. Gileadean's know that to break the rules is to be punished. Many crimes in Gilead are punishable by death. These are crimes that today we see as being part of life. Homosexuality, "Gender Treachery", is an issue that today's society permits and on the whole accepts. However, in a society where reproduction is the primary concern it is seen as a crime punishable by death. Abortion is another issue that is legal in today's culture, but in Gilead is completely prohibited. Doctors from the time before the totalitarian regime of Gilead can be hanged if they had committed the illegal act of abortion at any time in their lives, "a placard hung round his neck a drawing of a human foetus". The victims of these crimes are often hanged. They are then hooked on to the Wall, "like scarecrows, which in a way is what they are, since they are meant to scare." The Wall stands tall in the city, broadcasting the deaths of men and women who have broken the rules. The objective of this seemingly disgusting act dates back in history to when hanged men and women were left out on display for as many people to look at as possible. "We"re supposed to look: this is what they are there for", they are there as a deterrent. .
These rules, which govern everything for the people of the Gileadean society, are complemented by the routines that are always strictly adhered to. The ceremony is a monthly ritual, which the whole household must attend, however small a part they play in it. The household; the Governor's wife, the Marthas, the handmaid and the Guardian, gather in the sitting room as the commander reads to them all from the Bible. This is such a regular occurrence that there is a bell to announce it.